While a 'minimal change' approach was taken to the 2006 Census of Population and Dwellings, methodological changes were made to reflect real-world change and improve data quality. Statistics New Zealand recognised that some of these changes would impact on its users and it was committed to consulting where appropriate and ensuring any decisions were publicised as quickly as possible. Methodological papers were targeted at our technical audience – professional and academic statisticians working in the area of statistical methodology, plus expert data users.